Before You Begin: Eligibility
To apply for a Nevada medical marijuana card you must:
- Be a Nevada resident with a valid state-issued ID or driver’s license. Out-of-state patients cannot apply for a Nevada card — instead see reciprocity.
- Be at least 18 years old. Minors may be registered with a parent/guardian as caregiver.
- Have a diagnosis matching one of Nevada’s 14 qualifying conditions.
- Not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Federal regulations prohibit CDL holders from using cannabis under any circumstances, regardless of state law.
Step 1: Make Sure You Have a Valid Nevada ID
Nevada residency is verified using a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. If you have recently moved to Nevada, update your ID with the Nevada DMV before applying. The portal will reject applications that submit out-of-state ID.
Step 2: Get a Physician Certification
A Nevada-licensed physician, osteopath, or advanced practice registered nurse must evaluate your medical history and, if appropriate, issue a written certification stating you have a qualifying condition. The provider completes the certification statement that you upload during registration.
Telehealth Is Accepted
Nevada permits telehealth evaluations. Several online platforms connect Nevada residents with licensed providers who can complete the visit remotely:
- NuggMD — typically $89–$149
- Leafwell — typically $99–$149
- PrestoDoctor — typically $89–$150
Most telehealth visits last 10–15 minutes and can be done from your phone or computer. If a provider does not approve your certification, most platforms refund the fee.
What to Bring to the Visit
- A list of your current medications
- Records or documentation of your qualifying diagnosis (specialist notes, imaging, lab results, VA records, etc.)
- Your Nevada ID
- A list of treatments you have already tried
Step 3: Register on the DPBH Portal
Create an account at the official DPBH Medical Marijuana Patient Portal. During registration you will need to:
- Upload your physician’s certification statement
- Upload a copy of your Nevada ID
- Provide a passport-style photo
- Designate a primary dispensary (optional but recommended)
- Designate a caregiver (required for minors; optional for adults)
- Provide your current Nevada address for card delivery
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The state registry card fee is paid online through the portal:
- $50 for a 1-year card
- $100 for a 2-year card
There is no fee for address changes or replacement cards. The card fee is separate from the physician evaluation fee discussed in Step 2. Total first-year out-of-pocket is typically $140–$200 (state fee + telehealth fee). See the cost & renewal page for a full breakdown.
Step 5: Receive Your Card
After your application is reviewed and approved by DPBH:
- Temporary card: Available to download from the portal within 24–48 hours of approval. The temporary card is valid and accepted at all licensed Nevada dispensaries immediately.
- Permanent card: Mailed to your registered address within 7–14 business days.
You can begin purchasing as soon as you have the temporary card; you do not need to wait for the mailed card.
Patients can register and manage their medical marijuana card online through the DPBH Medical Marijuana Patient Portal.
Nevada DPBH Patient Portal
Common Reasons for Application Denial or Delay
- Out-of-state physician certification. Only Nevada-licensed providers may certify.
- Out-of-state residency. The applicant must be a Nevada resident with a Nevada ID.
- Photo problems. The portal requires a passport-style photo; sunglasses, hats, and side-angle photos are rejected.
- Mismatched information. The name on the certification, the ID, and the application must match.
- Diagnosis not on the qualifying-conditions list. See qualifying conditions.
Special Cases
Patients Under 18
A custodial parent or legal guardian must register as the patient’s designated caregiver. The caregiver acquires, possesses, and administers cannabis on behalf of the minor. Both the minor and the caregiver are registered through the portal.
Caregivers for Adult Patients
An adult patient may designate a caregiver who may possess and transport cannabis on their behalf. Caregivers obtain their own DPBH cards through the portal.
CDL Holders
Federal regulations governing commercial motor vehicles prohibit CDL holders from using cannabis. The Nevada program does not issue cards to CDL holders.
Contact DPBH
For questions about your application, card status, or the medical marijuana registry:
- Phone: (775) 687-7594
- Email: MMRegistry@Health.nv.gov
- Portal: mmportal.nv.gov
- DPBH page: Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry
Next Steps
- Review the 14 qualifying conditions before booking your evaluation.
- See total card cost and renewal for a full fee breakdown.
- Out-of-state visitors: see reciprocity — you do not need a Nevada card to buy.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org